Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern

Overview

This is for in-person in Babcock Ranch, Florida 33982 as Florida Law requires Interns to practice on site with a licensed holder while in private practice Fla. Stat. § 491.005(4)(d) (2025).

We will be hiring over the Summer to begin in the Fall for Interns. Current LMHCs, LCSWs, LMFTs, Ph.D., Psy.D. , or School Psychologists with an unrestricted license are invited to apply for Summer placement. At this time we are not considering Social Worker Interns.

Join our mental health and research team as a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals facing diverse challenges. This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in clinical counseling, crisis intervention, and behavioral health services across outpatient and inpatient settings. You will work closely with licensed professionals to develop your skills in psychotherapy, patient assessment, research while contributing to comprehensive mental health care delivery. Embark on a rewarding journey to support mental wellness, foster resilience, and promote healing within our community.

Responsibilities

• Conducting intake assessments, diagnostic evaluations, and patient histories using proper coding systems to ensure accurate documentation.
• Deliver individual and group therapy sessions utilizing modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, adlerian therapy, gestalt therapy, person-centered therapy, play therapy, etc.
• Perform crisis management activities including crisis intervention, crisis management planning, and de-escalation techniques to ensure patient safety.
• Engage in patient care activities such as behavior management, social work interventions, and direct support for individuals.
• Contribute to medical documentation efforts by maintaining HIPAA-compliant records, medical terminology accuracy, and detailed progress notes within electronic health records.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on case management plans for patients across outpatient, inpatient, or specialized settings such as pediatrics or geriatrics.
• Willingness to assist in research projects related to behavioral health outcomes, data collection efforts, and clinical research initiatives aimed at improving treatment approaches.

Qualifications

• Recently completed a graduate program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Psychology from a CACREP or APA approved program. (Social Workers are not being considered at this time).
• Demonstrated knowledge of psychotherapy techniques including, behavioral therapy, psychopharmacology basics, grief counseling, trauma care, addiction counseling, and general family and couples counseling.
• Familiarity with ICD coding (ICD-9/ICD-10), CPT coding for billing purposes, medical terminology, and electronic medical records systems.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage clients effectively through Telehealth platforms or in-person sessions, however as Florida Law requires all Interns to be on-site with an active & current Florida Department of Health LMHC, telehealth will be done from the office and not from the Intern's home.
• Ability to handle crisis situations calmly and professionally while implementing appropriate intervention strategies.
• Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and best practices for maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding patient information.

If you are passionate about making a positive impact through clinical counseling, behavioral health services, and potential for research and mHealth technology, then you will find this role both challenging and fulfilling.

Please note we will not sponsor international applicants.

Pay: $40.00 - $50.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Professional development assistance

Application Question(s):

• Have you viewed our website and/or read some of Dr. Russell's research to gain an overview of the focus and goals of the practice?
• Do you have a State of Florida Registered Mental Health Intern, or State of Florida Registered Social Work Intern certificate currently, or will you be eligible to apply for one prior to starting work in the position for which you are applying? Please note, ABA certificates are not issued by the State of Florida and are therefore not accepted for this position.

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)
• English (Required)

Location:

• Punta Gorda, FL 33982 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Punta Gorda, FL 33982: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person